Hanen More Than Words

Blonde boy in grey jumper with Novita Speech Pathologist using a tablet to communicate

Program Summary

Delivered by a Hanen-certified Speech Pathologist, More Than Words® supports parents to become their child's primary communication partner. Parents learn practical, responsive interaction strategies that can be used during everyday activities and routines.

By building on children's interests and supporting meaningful interactions, parents can create everyday opportunities to develop their child's social communication and play skills.

The program includes:

Parent group learning sessions
Individual consultations
Video feedback and coaching
Practical strategies for everyday life
Opportunities to connect with other parents

Program Breakdown

More Than Words® combines group learning with individualised coaching and support.

Pre-Program Consultation
An individual meeting between the family and Speech Pathologist to:
- Discuss the child's communication strengths and needs
- Answer questions about the program
- Identify communication goals
- Record a baseline parent-child interaction
Parent Group Learning Sessions
Parents participate in interactive group sessions without their children present. Parents learn about:
- How their child communicates
- Supporting social communication and interaction
- Responsive interaction strategies
- Supporting play and engagement
- Creating communication opportunities during everyday routines
The program is designed to support parents to apply strategies in ways that work for their individual child, family values and everyday life.
Individual Coaching and Video Feedback
Families participate in individual consultations throughout the program.
Parents practise strategies with their child while receiving individualised feedback and coaching from the Speech Pathologist. Video feedback is used to help parents identify what is working well and explore opportunities to further support their child's communication.
Communication goals are reviewed and updated throughout the program.

Why More Than Words?

Parents and caregivers play an important role in their child's communication development. More Than Words® builds family confidence and capacity by supporting parents to use effective communication strategies during the interactions they already share with their child.

Rather than communication support only occurring during therapy sessions, parents learn how to create meaningful opportunities for communication throughout everyday life.

More Than Words® also combines parent education, practical coaching and connection with other families to provide a family-centred approach to early communication support.

Key outcomes

Build parent confidence and skills

Parents learn to better understand their child's communication and use responsive interaction strategies to support their child's social communication development.

Support social communication development

Children are supported to develop skills such as communicating with others, taking turns, initiating interactions, sharing attention and interests, and developing play and interaction skills.

Create opportunities for learning every day

Parents learn how to use everyday routines, play and interactions as natural opportunities to support communication development.

Connect families

Parents have the opportunity to learn alongside other families and share experiences with people who may have similar questions and experiences.

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